Hudgell Solicitors Can Help You Make an Erb's Palsy Claim
Erb's palsy is caused by nerve damage in the shoulder, arm and hand. This can lead to paralysis as well as a variety of other issues.
Medical negligence can cause this birth injury. It can be linked to an uneasy or rush delivery in particular when the baby's shoulder gets stuck during labour.
Causes
In rare circumstances it is possible for things to be a mess. If your child was born with a disability that was caused by medical negligence, like Erb's palsy, Hudgell Solicitors can help you claim compensation for their ongoing suffering.
Erb's palsy is a condition that causes weakness or paralysis in varying degrees within the arm and shoulder that affects the brachial plexus nerves. These nerves are responsible for transmitting electrical signals to muscles to allow them to move. Brachialplexus injuries can cause a decline in the ability to move and grip the hand that is affected.
There are many causes of Erb's syndrome. It is often caused by shoulder dystocia as a result of labour that happens when the baby's head gets stuck above the mother's pubic bone. It is more prevalent in women who have certain risk factors like gestational diabetics, as well as large babies or infants. Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency and it is important to recognize this and know how to react quickly to avoid complications for the baby. It could also occur when you use forceps, vacuum extractors, or have an emergency Cesarean.
Signs and symptoms
Erb's symptoms include a lack of movement in the affected hand or arm and a weak grip. Typically, the symptoms begin to manifest within six to 12 months after birth.
The brachialplexus is an intricate network of nerves which run from the spine to both sides of the neck, controlling motion and sensation in the arm, hand and fingers. If damaged, these nerves could cause weakness or partial paralysis in the affected hand and arm.
It is usually caused by medical mistakes during childbirth. For instance the doctor pushing on the baby's shoulders too hard (shoulder dystocia). It can also be caused by a traumatic delivery when the infant is held in a 'waiter's point position, which causes tension on the upper trunk C5-C6 nerves which are part of the brachial nerve.
The majority of infants who sustain an injury from a stretch recover within six to 12 months, with the exception of cases that are severe enough to require surgery with a nerve graft to restore the injured nerves. If the nerves damaged are not treated, children may suffer from permanent impairment that limits their ability to move and use their arm.
Diagnosis
For children who suffer from Erb's Palsy there are a number options to treat the effects, however the injury can never be fully repaired. A few infants suffer from significant disability, and are unable to move their arm, hand, or fingers.
The symptoms are caused by an injury to the brachial plexus which provides all the muscles of the upper limb, with the exception for the trapezius. The injury is usually to the upper trunks of nerves C5 and C6. However, it can also affect C7. The result is the classic
erb's palsy Law Firms-Palsy sign, a waiter tip-like hand that is unable to pronate or flex the forearm. In some instances, nerves that are damaged can cause Horner syndrome. This is characterized by pupils that are drooping as well as a constricted face.
It is possible to file a claim for medical negligence at the time of the birth process that results in an infant suffering from Erb's Palsy. This is because the condition is usually caused by excessive force being imposed on the baby during the birth process. This can include using forceps or a ventouse (vacuum extraction) incorrectly. It could also involve a doctor who is not managing shoulder dystocia properly or deciding to give birth via vaginal birth or
Erb's palsy Law firms breech in a situation where a caesarean birth would have been more suitable.
Treatment
The nerves of the brachial plexus manage movement and feeling in the hand and arm. If the baby is diagnosed with Erb's palsy it means the nerves have been injured. Most babies recover in 6 to 12 months, however some have a long-term disability that restricts movement and feeling in their arm.
Treatment is focused on physical therapy, which is designed to increase the range of motion in the injured arm. Stretching and passive exercises can be utilized to achieve this. A physiotherapist might also suggest an extension splint that is specifically designed to ease movements and reduce stiffness. In the most severe cases, a graft of nerves may be needed to reconstruct damaged nerves.
A compensation claim can assist a child with Erb's Palsy live life to the fullest, and have access to the essential equipment education, care, and equipment. If you believe that your child's Erb's Palsy was the result of an error in medical care during their birth, then you might be able file a claim for financial damages.
Compensation
A successful lawsuit may award families financial compensation to help pay for their child's treatment. It can also help them feel the feeling of justice and call attention to medical professionals who might have prevented a brachial or plexus injury.
Settlements in Erb's Palsy lawsuits will cover the cost of physiotherapy in addition to any other treatments or equipment needed to aid your child's needs. They can also compensate you for any loss of earnings or income due to the disability of your child.
It is recommended to seek out an
erb's palsy lawsuit Palsy lawyer right away if you suspect that medical negligence was the cause. They can give you suggestions on how to proceed and make sure that all paperwork is filed in time. This increases your chances of getting compensation. Our team of specialist Erb's Palsy lawyers can assist you obtain the maximum amount of compensation you are entitled to. This can help you with the long-term costs of your child's disability and ensure that they have everything they need to live a happy, healthy life.